Identity theft is rising dramatically. The theft is done primarily through:

• stealing identifying information (credit cards, social security cards, ATM cards, telephone calling cards, driver’s licenses, billing statements, etc.).
• getting people to give information on the internet.
• copying/ stealing information provided on checks, applications, etc.

There are two types of identity theft:

• Account takeover. This occurs when a thief uses a credit card or credit or bank account numbers to charge products and services.
• Application fraud. This occurs when a thief uses your social security number or other personal information to open new accounts in your name.

Warning signs:

• Your monthly credit card or bank statements stop coming.
• You are denied credit for no apparent reason.
• You start getting bills from companies you do not recognize or there are items on bills that you did not purchase (including long distance phone charges).
• Credit collection agencies try to collect debts that you did not incur or a credit bureau report contains such debts.

What to do if you are a victim:

• Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been incorrectly charged or opened without your knowledge.
• File a report with your local police department or with the police in another community if a theft occurred there.
• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus.

Equifax 1-800-525-6285 (www.equifax.com)

Experion 1-888-397-3742 (www.experion.com)

Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 (www.tuc.com)

How to protect yourself:

How to protect yourself:

• Make sure your purse/wallet is safe and secure at all times. Do not carry or keep in your car your social security card, passport, birth certificate, multiple credit cards, bank checks or similar identifying information with you unless needed.
• Do not put your address, phone number or driver’s license number on a credit card sales receipt.
• Do not have your social security number on printed bank checks. Use an office phone number rather than a home phone, a post office box rather than a home address (if they are available to you) and use a first initial rather than first name

on printed checks. Put only the last four digits of your account number on the check Memo line when paying bills.

• Do not provide identifying information over the phone or the internet unless you have initiated the contact. This includes age, sex, income, marital status or other information that could be used to duplicate your identity.
• When using identifying information in public places, keep it away from others’ eyes and be aware of anyone using a cell phone (which may be able to take pictures) standing close to you.
• Shred bills, receipts, statements, cancelled checks, etc. before trashing them.
• Use direct bank account deposit for income sources when possible.
• Do not allow workmen in your home when no one else is present. Monitor requests to use your restroom, get a drink of water, use your phone or other requests that put workmen or other strangers in your home.
• Photocopy or make a detailed list (including account numbers, expiration dates, address, etc.) of identifying items carried in your purse or wallet.
• Get your mail promptly from any unlocked mailbox.
• Check your credit report from at least one major credit bureau annually. Contact by internet address given above or phone:

Equifax 1-800-685-5111

Experion 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union 1-800-916-8800

Let all bureaus know immediately if there is an error in the report.

• Think about how your family members provide personal information and include them in plans to keep personal information safe.

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